The victim was attacked hours after being released from police custody where he was questioned with another teenager about vandalism and criminal activity in the area on Saturday evening.

He was rushed to hospital where he was treated for stab wounds. A police spokesman said his injuries were “serious but non- life-threatening.”

Last night three women aged 17, 20 and 35, together with a 23-year-old man were arrested in connection with the stab attack.

A group of youths, one of whom was armed with a baseball bat, went on the rampage in the Windmill Park and Windmill Gardens area of the estate on Saturday evening.

Police received a number of reports around 9.20pm regarding a groups of teens attacking houses and vehicles.

They were taken to Downpatrick police station where they were questioned before being released on bail in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is thought the pair returned to the estate where one was stabbed around 4am at a house in Windmill Park.